Red Wings-Bruins Preview

Associated Press

BOSTON -- It only took one game for the Boston Bruins to bounce back from a rare loss. It probably wasn't a coincidence that the victory came on their home ice.

The Bruins seek to win nine straight home games for the first time in more than 25 years on Saturday, when they match up against a Red Wings team that boasts the best road record in the NHL.

Boston (15-4-4) was cruising through November, collecting at least one point in each of its first 10 games (9-0-1) of the month. That momentum was disrupted Wednesday by a 3-2 loss at Buffalo.

The Bruins quickly rebounded at home Friday, overwhelming the New York Islanders 7-2. Michael Ryder scored twice and was among seven players to finish with two points for the Bruins, who have won eight straight contests at the TD Banknorth Garden to match a run from Nov. 2-29, 2002.

"Our guys are feeling good about themselves," said Boston coach Claude Julien, whose team had lost its first two home games but now boasts its longest winning streak there since reeling off 11 in a row from Dec. 5, 1982-Jan. 29, 1983 - more than four years before Phil Kessel, the club's current leading goal scorer with 11, was born.

Julien's club has scored at least five times in six of its last eight contests at home, and has given up just 22 goals in 10 games there this season.

The Bruins' defense figures to be challenged by a Red Wings team that has been quite productive, particularly on the road. Of Detroit's 81 total goals, a league-leading 45 have been tallied while going an NHL-best 10-1-2 away from home.

Like Boston, Detroit (15-3-4) had been hot this month, going 7-0-1 before back-to-back losses earlier this week. The Red Wings prevented a three-game slide with a 5-3 home victory over Columbus on Friday, when Marian Hossa scored the go-ahead goal - his second of the game - with 2 minutes left.

Hossa leads the defending Stanley Cup champions in both goals (13) and points (26) in his first season with Detroit.

"He's been unbelievable for this hockey team, not just the way he plays but he's a great guy in the room," Red Wings center Kris Draper said. "He works so hard every night."

Hossa has 16 goals and 38 points in 41 career games versus the Bruins, but has been held without a point the last three times he's faced them.

Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood, who needed to make only 13 saves in Friday's victory, is 9-4-0 with a tie in 14 career matchups versus Boston, including wins the last three times he's faced the Bruins.

These Original Six teams have split their last 12 meetings, although Detroit has won three of its last five visits to Boston including a 3-1 victory on Feb. 2.